Sausage Recipes of the Month
Underdog Loire Valley Wines
How to Make a Healthy Snack
Mark McClusky's DIY Cheese
The Perfect Party Cocktail
Foodies Fetishize Their Own
Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback
I Paid: $1.39 per 16-ounce bottle (prices may vary by region)
Said demand is not hard to imagine. The products look awesome, with their clear and uncluttered retro-packaging. The claim of being made with real sugar also resonates in an era when high-fructose corn syrup is a high-profile villain (or scapegoat, depending on your stance), and when hipsters from coast to coast are universally aware that Mexican Coke boasts (a) real sugar and (b) better flavor than its American sibling.
Curious about the real versus psychological impact of sweetening agents on flavor, I tried a six-shot blind taste test. Three of the shots were either Throwback Mountain Dew or the standard-issue stuff, and three were either Throwback Pepsi or normal Pepsi.
Although the Throwback versions of Mountain Dew and Pepsi look and cost exactly the same as their contemporary counterparts, the flavor varies enough that the old and the new can be sniffed out blind. Throwback Pepsi has a deeper “spiced” flavor and a smoother finish that makes it taste a bit more exotic—and, frankly, better—than the HFCS equivalent. The difference with Throwback Mountain Dew is less dramatic: less acidic, less carbonated, and a bit more orange-flavored than the modern incarnation. Again, better, although not as outrageously as the Pepsi.
You might think that there would be a one-to-one cannibalization factor going on: every bottle of Throwback deleting a purchase of the modern version. That may not be the case, however. If habitual HFCS-shunners and boutique-soda drinkers add Throwback to their list of soda choices, these old-school products have the possibility of giving a little boost to the bottom line of PespiCo.
These days I normally do not drink sodas except for the more-"natural" ones like San Pelligrino or others bought at my local health food store or Whole Foods. But I used to be a cola drinker... For as long as I've lived here in Tucson, everyone I know has preferred Mexican Coke made with real sugar, and they would be remiss if they returned from a trip across the border sans some Mexican Coke....+READ
These days I normally do not drink sodas except for the more-"natural" ones like San Pelligrino or others bought at my local health food store or Whole Foods. But I used to be a cola drinker... For as long as I've lived here in Tucson, everyone I know has preferred Mexican Coke made with real sugar, and they would be remiss if they returned from a trip across the border sans some Mexican Coke. The label on the cans used to list SUGAR (no HFCS even mentioned) as an ingredient, and boy you could taste the difference.
Today I purchased a 355-mL Mexican Coke in an old-fashioned glass bottle (I saved it because I can't remember the last time I saw one of these!) from a Mexican vendor of grilled Sonoran hot dogs. Unfortunately, I knew immediately that something was wrong -- this tasted like the sickening HFCS-sweetened swill. I didn't even drink it all. Sure enough, the paper label affixed to the top of the bottle reads, "Ing. carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup and/or sucrose, caramel color, phosphoric acid..." etc. At the bottom it lists the Tucson distributor but also clearly says "Prod. of Mexico."
So something has definitely changed!-COLLAPSE
I am a soda junkie. I have to have 3/4 Coke zero with a top-off of Mexican Coke or regular if I haven't been to Sam''s lately. I can drink Diet Coke & Coke all day with no problems. I was eager to try Pepsi Throwback. Believe me, I had to search around several markets to find it. I let a few cans get nice & cold. I downed one. Flavor was great. Better than regular Pepsi which I try to avoid....+READ
I am a soda junkie. I have to have 3/4 Coke zero with a top-off of Mexican Coke or regular if I haven't been to Sam''s lately. I can drink Diet Coke & Coke all day with no problems. I was eager to try Pepsi Throwback. Believe me, I had to search around several markets to find it. I let a few cans get nice & cold. I downed one. Flavor was great. Better than regular Pepsi which I try to avoid. About two hours later I started to get sick. Being a little dense, I went through a whole 12-pak before realizing I better read the ingredients. See, Throwback is made with sugar beats not sugar cane. Mexican coke is made with sugar cane as is almost every other soda with real sugar. I must be allergic to sugar beats. When I stopped rinking the Throwback and went back to the Mexican Coke I was fine. Pepsi is never going to win me over.-COLLAPSE
if the idiot reviewer doesn't know the difference between coke and pepsi to start with, the rest of the article is just as bogus. once again a failure on the part of chow on even the most basic elements. Pepsi is not Coke, Coke is not Pepsi. HFCS, Surgar, Diet or whatever. Start over and give us something useful.
I have been able to find Mexican Coke in Savannah, GA for the last couple of years now. The cases are available at Sams Club (we sadly have no Costco here) and are cheaper than buying the singles for $1.79 each at Kroger.
Perhaps if the price of soda overall had kept up with inflation, we would drink less of it (as in people in general, not chowhounds) and wouldn't be so hugely fat.
James, loved that you said that the difference "can be sniffed out blind," because I found that to be the literal case. Crack the top off a Pepsi or MD Throwback and the first thing you notice is the smell of the stuff. For some reason HFCS doesn't do the same (except for perhaps some vaguely citrusy poot for about four seconds).
@monkeyrotica - It's cane sugar. And no, your Mexican Coke isn't...+READ
James, loved that you said that the difference "can be sniffed out blind," because I found that to be the literal case. Crack the top off a Pepsi or MD Throwback and the first thing you notice is the smell of the stuff. For some reason HFCS doesn't do the same (except for perhaps some vaguely citrusy poot for about four seconds).
@monkeyrotica - It's cane sugar. And no, your Mexican Coke isn't made with HFCS. Those labels are slapped on imports to cover every possible ingredient to satisfy the FDA because no one wants to get into an expensive shouting match with a federal bureaucracy over what should and shouldn't be on the label of flavored carbonated water. But it's sugar. Cane sugar. :)
@queenscock - I've found Mexican Coca Cola as far north as Wisconsin. In some areas, the local Coke distributors are buying and importing from their Mexican counterparts and offering it as part of their product line to retailers.-COLLAPSE
I'm surprised that in Northern Virginia you'd even be getting Mexican Coke. I thought that you'd only be able to get Mexican Coke in areas geographically near Mexico, like Texas, Arizona, and the like. And if the labels are anything like the Passover labels, they usually say "made with sugar and/or corn syrup." This covers them, and they don't have to print different labels for different times of...+READ
I'm surprised that in Northern Virginia you'd even be getting Mexican Coke. I thought that you'd only be able to get Mexican Coke in areas geographically near Mexico, like Texas, Arizona, and the like. And if the labels are anything like the Passover labels, they usually say "made with sugar and/or corn syrup." This covers them, and they don't have to print different labels for different times of the year.-COLLAPSE
I've tried Pepsi and Dr Pepper Throwback. They both have an odd chemical aftertaste, like Aspartame. Also, all the Mexican Coke in my area (Northern Virginia), the kind in the returnable bottles, has a label that clearly states it's made with HFCS.
Can anyone tell me what "Made with Real Sugar" means? Cane sugar? Beet sugar? Corn sugar? Aspartame? And what does "Unreal Sugar" mean?
The throwback pepsi was delish with baccardi and fresh lime! Passover Coke is ridiculously good, and I can get Mexican all over Ocala. Yes, you can avoid HFCS!!!!
It is all liquid candy. There is a documentary by that name in fact.
Yes the mexican coke is better, but for as often as I should be consuming one, I am fine with getting it from Mexico.
The only way it will be profitable for them to bring back the retro recipies permanently is if we are all consuming more of it than we should be....
Make your own fruit syrups and drink the occasional italian...+READ
It is all liquid candy. There is a documentary by that name in fact.
Yes the mexican coke is better, but for as often as I should be consuming one, I am fine with getting it from Mexico.
The only way it will be profitable for them to bring back the retro recipies permanently is if we are all consuming more of it than we should be....
Make your own fruit syrups and drink the occasional italian style soda...-COLLAPSE
I am hoping the moer people drink, the more likely they will make it permanent and move to sugar altogether. They would have a great edge over coke.
I still like the mexican cokes much better though. I never really paid attention to pepsi vs coke before, but I love the mexican cokes. better than pepsi throwback. could be the bottle, could be the water. I have another theory that in...+READ
I am hoping the moer people drink, the more likely they will make it permanent and move to sugar altogether. They would have a great edge over coke.
I still like the mexican cokes much better though. I never really paid attention to pepsi vs coke before, but I love the mexican cokes. better than pepsi throwback. could be the bottle, could be the water. I have another theory that in transportation, it gets a bit flatter.
and I believe sugar is something like the number one produced food material in the world. There is no shortage of sugar. just an abundance of lobbyists.-COLLAPSE
@ Mrs. Paw--No one was calling Mountain Dew or Pepsi "Coke." I believe they were referring to the Passover, Mexican, and Thai Cokes that were mentioned in a number of the comments.
BTW, since HFCS is not kosher for Passover, any soda (or indeed, any food whatsoever) that is labeled "kosher for Passover" will not contain any, and will have real sugar. That means not only Coke, but Pepsi, 7-UP,...+READ
@ Mrs. Paw--No one was calling Mountain Dew or Pepsi "Coke." I believe they were referring to the Passover, Mexican, and Thai Cokes that were mentioned in a number of the comments.
BTW, since HFCS is not kosher for Passover, any soda (or indeed, any food whatsoever) that is labeled "kosher for Passover" will not contain any, and will have real sugar. That means not only Coke, but Pepsi, 7-UP, and whatever else is sold. However, sometimes it's hard to find these types outside of areas with a considerable Jewish population.-COLLAPSE
The big thing I noticed about the real sugar drinks is that I seemed to be satisfied after a small amount. They quench a thirst and end cleanly. They don't seem to coat my mouth.
They certainly go better with food.
I find that I actually like Mountain Dew when it's made with real sugar.
When I visited Thailand many years ago, I was amazed how much better the Coke tasted (I pretty much stuck to bottled beverages on that trip...). I finally figured out that they must be making it with sugar instead of HFCS. Now that I know that a similar product can be bought in the USA, I will have to look for it next time I hit the supermarket.
Why are you calling Mt. Dew and Pepsi Coke? Is it that Southern thing of calling all carbonated soft drinks Coke? Just a query from the sidelines, I prefer not to drink my calories.
I don't care for Pepsi or Mountain Dew no matter what they're sweetened with, but I've picked up Heritage Dr. Pepper several times and have enjoyed it very much. It seems like it's easier to find--at first I only saw it in Target, and now it's popped in quite a few places, including my crappy neighborhood Shoppers. I hope it sticks around permanently.
Mmm i love mexican coke
@ette the 'Throwback' versions are not available in Canada. I drove to Buffalo today and picked up a couple bottles of Pepsi Throwback for $1.29 for 2 liters in Wegmans. Now that I have just finished a glass over ice I regret not buying more. It tastes just like cola should--clean refreshing not heavy and syrupy like the HFCS versions.
I really hope that Pepsi can stick it out. I have buying nothing but the Heritage (Throwback) Dr. Pepper now because is tasste great compared to it's heavy corn syrup cousin. I will probably quit drinking soft drinks altogether if they stop. Or at least go back to Jones.
The differences in the sodas aren't just that they contain sugar they have other subtle changes as well.The difference in sugar and corn syrup taste is negligible. Not to mention they have the same calories give or take 1 calorie. Either way the design is way shway and the retro sodas do have a crisper taste, buy them damnit!!!
Does anyone know if these were released in Canada too?
@seeingItall, I would love to read the economic rationale behind the new "throwback" products. The reason HFCS came into use in the first place is that domestic corn is heavily subsidized and imported sugar has a tariff. Did something change in that mix to allow PepsiCo to produce sugar-based products at a similar cost to corn based ones? Or is this just a marketing gimmick, perhaps designed to...+READ
@seeingItall, I would love to read the economic rationale behind the new "throwback" products. The reason HFCS came into use in the first place is that domestic corn is heavily subsidized and imported sugar has a tariff. Did something change in that mix to allow PepsiCo to produce sugar-based products at a similar cost to corn based ones? Or is this just a marketing gimmick, perhaps designed to lure back consumers who drifted away from commercial sodas?-COLLAPSE
I agree with Au Pomme that the "Throwbacks" felt lighter in my mouth, which made drinking them so much more enjoyable (as opposed to other sodas, which seem thick and masked over by sweetener).
I think the addition of sugar as opposed to HFCS made a GREAT DEAL of difference (and I did taste both the Pepsi and Mountain Dew on seperate occasions, so that one flavor wouldn't be influenced by the...+READ
I agree with Au Pomme that the "Throwbacks" felt lighter in my mouth, which made drinking them so much more enjoyable (as opposed to other sodas, which seem thick and masked over by sweetener).
I think the addition of sugar as opposed to HFCS made a GREAT DEAL of difference (and I did taste both the Pepsi and Mountain Dew on seperate occasions, so that one flavor wouldn't be influenced by the other before it).
The sugar seemed to open up the deeper flavors in the sodas, giving them complexity.
I don't see why they cannot include sugar year round as opposed to HFCS. I understand that there is a economic standpoint to consider (as I can only assume that HFCS is cheaper than sugar to produce and incorporate), but from a quality standpoint, sugar definitely wins.-COLLAPSE
I guess you'd have to like Coke to care.
Like my wine-hating husband who was forced to taste a NZ Sauv Blanc vs. a CA Sauv Blanc said, "yes, they are different...and they both suck"
Passover Coke is available by the case in the Costcos around the Phoenix area. I thought it was only going to be there through the holidays but its still there in abundance.
I haven't tried the "new old" drinks yet, but I will. I know it's a long-shot, but I hope more companies do this, and that it leads people to realize that sugar isn't evil. If it's eaten and drunk in moderation, sugar is harmless to the average person.
Don't forget Dublin Dr Peppers. It's becoming easier and easier to find them in stores and gas stations around Central Texas. It used to be you could only find them in small glass bottles. Now they come in 20oz bottles and 12oz cans.
@freshwhippedcreammike, no, the review's purpose is to point out that SuperTaster thinks the "throwback" versions taste better. No more, no less. He doesn't even make a judgment on HFCS.
I found these to be very good, and somehow lighter in my mouth than the HFCS originals.
No, it definitely needs to be an in-depth analysis of the HFCS topic since that's the sole reason for the existence of these sodas at this point in time.
I covet sugar-sweetened soda pops and am glad these "throwbacks" are coming out again, even though I'm not a Pepsi product fan. Awesome to know about the Passover coke too. My only beef with sugar-based pops is they seem to warm up faster than their HFCS counterparts.
good review, which isn't, and doesn't need to be, an in-depth analysis of the HFCS topic.
Also, I don't know if I approve of the testing procedure. What did he use as a palate cleanser? I hope you tried something. One clearly cannot switch from pepsi to mountain dew without some sort of cleanse and expect to taste it properly.
The more I think about it the more I don't like this review at all.
I think supertaster Richard Norton should have provided sources to literature regarding the status of high fructose corn syrup. This article comes off as lazy.
I didn't get to try it last year but friends were talking about Passover Coke being available. Seems HFCS isn't kosher, so the Passover version is made with cane or beet sugar instead. I'll be keeping an eye out myself this time around.
Good review of the Throwbacks. I tried both last time around and liked them too much. They don't have that sharp afterbite that HFCS drinks have, and I drank...+READ
I didn't get to try it last year but friends were talking about Passover Coke being available. Seems HFCS isn't kosher, so the Passover version is made with cane or beet sugar instead. I'll be keeping an eye out myself this time around.
Good review of the Throwbacks. I tried both last time around and liked them too much. They don't have that sharp afterbite that HFCS drinks have, and I drank them too quickly!-COLLAPSE
Thanks for your timely review. I am always on the look out for non HFCS sodas. I have a bottle of Mount Gay Rum that has been collecting dust as I hate the taste of rum and HFCS sweetened coke/pepsi.